How to paint garden furniture and give it a stylish summer makeover

Learning how to paint garden furniture will maximise your creativity - and let you make use of tired tables and chairs. 

After all, summer is just around the corner, which means many of us are eyeing up our backyards and poring over our list of garden furniture ideas. Because, let’s face it, when the sun is shining, we want to sit outside and make the most of those rays (while wearing the appropriate SPF, obviously).

Now, you might be wondering how to choose outdoor furniture to replace your worn looking items or, more importantly, how you’re going to afford it. But here’s the thing - upcycling (and, specifically, upcycled furniture ideas) are a major trend at the moment, so a lick of paint might be just the ticket...

How to paint garden furniture

It's time to make good on all those exciting garden paint ideas, grab a brush, and give our garden furniture the hot new look it deserves.

Here’s what you need to know.

What you will need

• A soft bristle brush
• Soapy water
• A biodegradable patio or furniture cleaner, like this Monty Miracle Patio Cleaner from Amazon
• A good painter's masking tape, such as this Multi-Purpose FrogTape from Wickes
• Paintbrushes
• Rollers 
• A quality exterior wood or metal paint
• A sealant topcoat, such as Frenchic’s Tuff Top Coat

Step-by-step guide

1. Give your garden furniture a deep clean

Whether it is wood, plastic, metal or concrete, your garden furniture needs to be fully cleaned and prepared before you apply any new paint. 

'Outdoor furniture is likely to have a build up of grime, mould, fungal growth and many other organic stains,' says Martin Beaumont at Monty Miracle, who is all too happy to share his best ever cleaning tips with us.

'Older materials that have weathered a little in the outdoors will not respond well to aggressive jetwashing which could further unsettle the surface, making painting difficult. Instead, use a soft bristle brush to gently brush away loose debris, spray a good cleaner all over, and ensure it is applied evenly and into any corners, textures and angles. 

'Leave for 10 minutes then simply rinse. Monty Miracle Patio Cleaner is neutralised and 100% biodegradable so can be hosed off onto soil or grass, but do hose off all greenery prior to and afterwards as well.'

2. Prep your garden furniture before you start painting

'Make sure that you allow the surface of your furniture to dry thoroughly,' cautions Martin.

'Wood, for example, needs a couple of days to dry out properly before you move on to sanding to give you a fully clean and smooth surface. Only then will it be ready for painting.'

'All previous paint will need to be removed, and the surface sanded and smooth,' adds Jason Burns, spokesperson for FrogTape.

3. Start painting

'Use several thin coats of paint, and starting from the bottom up,' advises Sophie Smith, Founder, Zhoosh Paints.

Always allow 24 hours between each coat, and aim for a minimum of two.

4. Alternatively, opt for a geometric design

That's right, everyone: there is more than one way to paint your garden furniture, and if you fancy a fun and vibrant pattern, it is absolutely doable.

'Geometric designs and stripes are really popular and so easy to do,' notes Jason from FrogTape. 'You can draw out your design on paper first then once you have created it on your furniture, using a spirit level to ensure your lines are straight. 

'Then apply painter's tape to your furniture and carefully paint in your pattern with your contrast colour, and make sure you apply two coats, with time to dry between applications. Then, slowly remove the tape away from you while the second coat of paint is still slightly wet. Leave to dry thoroughly before applying your seal.'

5. And don't forget the topcoat

Hoping to keep your garden furniture outdoors, no matter what the weather? A sealant topcoat will protect your beautiful paint finish from the elements, as well as any scratches, chips, and scuffs. 

Frenchic’s Tuff Top Coat is a water based, heavy-duty sealant with a flat matte finish. This will provide a hard wearing, protective coat to keep your furniture glistening all year round.

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